No matter how organized you are, there are always going to be times when your life is thrown off by external forces that are out of your control. It was this time of year, four years ago, that I had to drop everything I was doing and fly back to my hometown for a family medical emergency. Before I left, I had to be sure that I prepared both for my trip, and for my return, in order to make this trip (already one that was a bit stressful) as calm and collected as possible. Here are a few things that helped tremendously to keep everything under control.

1. Master List and TO DO List. I had to quickly determine what tasks could wait until my return, and what tasks had to be completed before I left for my trip. Just glancing at my lists gave me a complete picture of everything that had to be done now and later. I was grateful that everything was written down, and was accessible in one place.

2. Calendar. Without an organized calendar, I would have been scrambling to figure out appointments that would have to be changed. I was able to reschedule appointments and move some project deadlines back, all within about 15 minutes.

3. Packing checklist. It's easy to forget things when you're going on a trip, especially a trip that is an unexpected emergency--that is, unless you have a packing checklist. I didn't have to go nuts at the last minute trying to determine everything I needed to bring. I simply located my packing checklist, and was able to pack everything, clothes and toiletries, in about 45 minutes.

4. Travel toiletries. Those tiny, travel bottles of shampoo, conditioner, mouth wash, hair spray, etc. were a godsend. I always keep a little basket full of them in my bathroom. I refill them from larger bottles when they're empty to save money. I was able to find all of them in one place, and pack them up in a jiffy. Since I was traveling alone, I wanted my luggage to be as light as possible. I estimate that these miniature toiletries reduced my luggage weight by over 10 pounds!

5. Portable laptop computer. I knew that I would have some free time during my trip to do some work that needed to be done. Before I left, I tested everything to be sure that I could remotely access my home/work computers from wherever I was. During my visit, I was able to get quite a bit done when I wasn't busy helping out with something. Plus, the work helped give my mind a brief respite from the family medical challenge.

7. Airline, hotel, and rental car apps. When I travel, I generally use the same airline, hotel chains, and rental car companies. All of the apps for these are on my phone. Before leaving for any trip, I ensure the passwords for each are on my phone's password app so I could use all of them. It makes life a lot easier for checking in, checking out, and other detailed information about each service. In addition, using the same companies when I can means I can earn frequent traveler points.

7. Accepting that things don't always go as planned. As I mentioned, there are always going to be things in life that knock our thoughts, schedules, and plans off balance. Getting overwhelmed and stressed doesn't help. The ability to remain calm is key. It truly helps to realize and accept that no matter how much planning you do, every once in awhile things are not going to go exactly as you would have liked. Still, the comforting thought is that being organized can help things go as smoothly as possible, so you can get right back on track when the rough times have passed.

P.S. For tons more tips on getting and staying organized, check out my I'm Finally Organized Toolkit!

To fast-forward to Happy for Life, visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html

Some people are eternally happy no matter what their situation. Others find it a constant struggle to find happiness. Most folks are somewhere in between both of these.

Throughout the years, I have determined that the happiest people in the world are not just happy 'by chance,' but because they've taken specific actions in their lives. Once you know and apply these actions, you'll be able to harness and release the happiness that is deep within you.

Whether you're looking for just a little more happiness or a whole lot, my Happy for Life resource includes the information you need to multiply your happiness levels. Proceed into the new year ahead with a whole bunch of Happy Actions on your TO DO list. Visit:

getorganizednow.com/happy-for-life-sl.html

P.S. As a loyal reader of my GON Newsletter, when you obtain your copy of Happy For Life BEFORE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, you will get over $100 in COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES!

___ 1. Do today's task on my December Monthly Organizing Checklist. The December 12 TO DO focuses on batteries. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my December Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. Make or revise your packing checklist. You never know when an emergency might arise and you have to travel somewhere quickly. Be sure you have a packing checklist that is up to date, just in case.

___ 3. Get some help perking up. Winter. It's cold. It's dark. It's damp. Many of us feel more lethargic, moody, and 'down in the dumps' this time of the year. If you're feeling this way, this is very common and these feelings are felt by many people during this season. Here are 5 ways to perk up and overcome the winter blues. Visit: GetOrganizedNow.com to access my article on this topic.

'Losing your head in a crisis is a good way to become the crisis.' (C.J. Redwine)

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2021 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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